The University Song

The University song. Hail Minnesota, was originally the class song of the class of 1904. The song so appealed to the student body that it soon became, by general consent, considered the University song. The second verse of the original version of the song applied to President Northrop and was written as a tribute of the regard which the students feel for him. At President Northrop's suggestion, this verse was dropped and a second verse, written by Arthur Upson, '05, was substituted there for. The song as it is now sung, consists of the first verse of the original, composed by Truman Rickard, '04, in collaboration with Rev. E.W. Shurtleff, and the second verse from the pen of Mr. Upson. The music was composed by Mr. Rickard.

Hail! Minnesota.
Minnesota, hail to thee,
Hail to thee our college dear;
Thy light shall ever be
A beacon bright and clear;
Thy sons and daughters true "
Will proclaim thee near and far;
They will guard thy fame
And adore thy name;
Thou shalt be their Northern Star.
Like the stream that bends to sea
Like the pine that seeks the blue;
Minnesota, still for thee
Thy sons are strong and true..
From thy woods and waters fair;
From thy prairies waving far,
At thy call they throng
With their shout and song
Hailing thee their Northern Star.

See Minnesota Alumni Weekly of April 22, 1907, page --. See also Forty years of the University of Minnesota.